MaritimeNews

ABF – New arrangements for arrivals from overseas

To reduce community transmission of COVID-19 from Australians returning from overseas, new quarantine measures will be coming into effect.

The National Cabinet has directed that as soon as possible, and no later than 11.59pm (AEDST) on 28 March, 2020, all travellers entering Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities.

These facilities will be determined by each state and territory and may be hotels.

Despite the reduced number of flights coming to Australia, the number of Australians contracting COVID-19 from travellers returning from overseas has escalated.

This new measure will ensure that returning Australians self-isolate for 14 days and so reduce the incidence of community transmission of the virus.

Passengers arriving by sea or air will be transported directly to the designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks.

Once this restriction is implemented, family and friends of arriving international passengers should not attempt to greet them or pick them up.

Passengers will not be allowed to interact with any members of the community.

Having contact with the returning passengers could result in individuals also having to complete two weeks of quarantine.